Rural Tourism in Titicaca Lake | Luquina Chico

Doing rural tourism in the Titicaca Lake for the first time.

The first time I traveled to Puno was in 2006 and I was impressed with the beauty of Lake Titicaca.

Over the following years, I’ve had the chance to visit Puno several times and in every trip, I’ve been able to discover new and amazing spots in the Lake and around Puno.

Last October I decided to visit again Puno and this time our local partner office was eager to show me Luquina Chico, a small community living on the shores of Lake Titicaca at the Chucuito Peninsula, around 1:30 hours by road from Puno city.

This would include spending a night with a local family and I had my doubts because of the cold weather I supposed I would have a night but I accepted the invitation and took with me my office coworker Brenda plus our moms!

We first arrive via LATAM at Juliaca’s airport that is finally under renovation works! It was about time…we meet Ana, our local guide who welcomed us and took to to Puno with a stopover in Lampa town to visit the pretty colonial church plus some free time to explore the area around the church.

The whole visit took us near an hour and right after it, we continued our way to the hotel in Puno.

We took that whole afternoon to rest and stroll around Puno and also to get used to the high altitude which was necessary, especially for me.

Street at Lampa, Puno

The following day started with a pick up by 9 AM from the hotel. We were driven along the Lake Titicaca for a short visit to the temple of Chucuito followed by a visit to the main square of this small town. We were lucky to see a couple who had just married and were heading to their reception party followed by all their guest and a band of traditional music!

Wedding in Chucuito

We continued traveling passing by beauty landscapes along the Titicaca until we reached Luquina. Luis, the head of the family who was hosting us was waiting for us by the road and he was helpful taking out luggage all the way down to his place.

As soon as we arrived, we were welcomed by his family and leaded to our rooms (each family has only 2 rooms, if there is a bigger group, then a nearby family can host them.

Anna, our guide had to stay with the neighbors but she had her meals and activities with us.

Rooms are cozy, simple but have all the necessary to spend the night without feeling cold. Beds count with extra blankets in case you need them.

All rooms have ensuite bathrooms with running water, showers have hot water and there is soap and towels.

All rooms have a window with an amazing view to the Lake Titicaca.

We were served a delicious lunch on the terrace overlooking the lake, it was definitely a premiun view since it was a sunny-clear da. The menu consisted in a dish of soup, a dish grilled trout with native potatoes and a salad plus hot and cold beverages.

After having lunch we were ready to join our hosting family with their normal activities which includes farming, learn how to plant and grow seeds (potatoes, quinoa, lima beans, wheat, etc), take a walk around the village, go fishing, knitting, cooking or helping them in any chore they have.

I found the experience really educative and I would suggest it for anyone who wants to know more in deep about the daily life of an inhabitant of this part of the world!

We also took some free time right before sunset to enjoy and relax with the view. The silence was only disturbed by the sound of the wind and some animals passing by like porks or sheeps which we enjoyed seeing.

At night, we helped our host Gisela to prepare dinner. It consisted in a stewed made of local tubers and grains plus bread and a hot tea.

During that day, we gave presents to the children of the village, dolls for the girls, cars for the boys, crayons, notebooks, color books, etc. Kids were thrilled with the presents!

Next morning we were up before 6 AM! We saw the best sunrise ever! It was dramatic and peaceful at the same time.

We were served breakfast and after that the time to say goodbye arrived. Our hosting family played traditional music with local instruments while singing a song in Aymara, it was really emotive. We also danced and wore their traditional clothes.

Again they were so helpful taking our luggage down to the pier where our private speed boat was waiting for us to continue with our adventure and take us to Taquile Island, Uros Islands and back to Puno.

We arrived in Puno in the afternoon and check in at Libertador Hotel for a well deserved rest.

Finally, next day in the evening we took a flight back to Lima, visiting Sillustani tombs on the way to the airport.

To me, this was a totally different experience in Puno compared with my previous trips there and I enjoyed every minute! My coworker Brenda and our moms also had a great time and we all agree that the highlight of the trip was our homestay in Luquina!